Directed quench systems and components

ABSTRACT

Energy storage systems, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a heat exchanger or fluid delivery structure that may transfer heat from a battery cell or cell block to a heat exchange fluid. The heat exchanger or fluid delivery structure may substantially maintain an interfacial temperature during a temperature increase from the battery cell or cell block.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/794,200filed Oct. 26, 2017, which claims the benefit of U.S. Application Ser.No. 62/428,160 filed Nov. 30, 2016, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to heat transfer systems and components.More specifically, the present technology relates to heat transfersystems for energy storage devices.

BACKGROUND

In battery-powered devices, heat transfer between batteries or betweenbattery cell blocks may cause performance degradation or may lead todevice failure. Although insulation materials may assist with limitingheat transfer between cell blocks, the amount of insulation may increasethe overall size of the device or reduce the amount of available spacefor battery cells. Improved designs are needed.

SUMMARY

The present technology relates to energy storage devices and systems,including battery cells, battery cell blocks, and batteries, which mayinclude lithium-ion batteries. These systems may include heatexchangers, or heat exchange devices that may limit heat transfer from aparticular cell block. The heat exchange devices may include manydifferent features, designs, and material configurations as will bedescribed throughout the disclosure.

Energy storage systems, battery cells, and batteries of the presenttechnology may include a cell block including a plurality of batterycells. The systems may include a fluid delivery manifold coupled with asidewall of the cell block. The fluid delivery manifold may beconfigured to distribute a fluid within the fluid delivery manifold. Thefluid delivery manifold may be in thermal communication with the cellblock, and may be configured to receive heat from the cell block to thefluid within the fluid delivery manifold. The fluid delivery manifoldmay include a fluid entry port configured to receive a liquid. The fluiddelivery manifold may define a fluid path within the fluid deliverymanifold configured to at least partially contain the liquid within thefluid delivery manifold while providing egress to vaporized liquid fromat least one exit channel defined from the fluid delivery manifold.

The fluid delivery manifold may be configured to maintain at least aportion of fluid flow within the fluid delivery manifold during anexpansion of a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells. The fluiddelivery manifold may also be configured to withstand a compressiveforce greater than about 200 kPa. The fluid delivery manifold, whilereceiving a fluid, may be configured to maintain a temperature profileacross the manifold below a threshold temperature for a period of timegreater than 5 minutes. In some embodiments, the threshold temperaturemay be less than about 130° C. The fluid entry port may be located at atop of the fluid delivery manifold, and the at least one exit channelmay be located along a sidewall of the fluid delivery manifold. Thefluid delivery manifold may be characterized by a thickness less thanabout 1 cm in embodiments. The fluid delivery manifold may be coupledwith a first side of the cell block, and a second fluid deliverymanifold may be coupled with a second side of the cell block oppositethe first side of the cell block. In some embodiments, the fluiddelivery manifold may be configured to fluidly isolate the plurality ofcells from the liquid received by the fluid delivery manifold.

The present technology also encompasses energy storage systems. Thesystems may include a cell block including a plurality of battery cells,and the cell block may be characterized by a top and sides. The systemsmay also include a structure coupled with the cell block at the top ofthe cell block and at least one side of the cell block, and thestructure may be configured to distribute a fluid substantiallyuniformly through the structure from a fluid port.

In some embodiments the structure may include an ordered or unorderedmesh or a pleated arrangement of material. The structure may be acontinuous arrangement extending across the top and at least one side ofthe cell block. The structure may be configured to conduct liquidthrough the structure at a rate greater than or about 50 mL/min. Thestructure may be configured to maintain a substantially uniform fluiddistribution through the structure under a compressive force greaterthan about 100 kPa. In some embodiments the structure may include ametal, a fabric, or a polymer. The structure may include a materialconfigured to withstand temperatures greater than about 100° C. Inembodiments the energy storage system may further include a housingcontaining the cell block and the structure. The structure may include amaterial sheet extending continuously over a first side of the cellblock, across the top of the cell block, and over a second side of thecell block opposite the first side of the cell block.

The present technology also encompasses energy storage systems.Exemplary systems may include a cell block having at least one batterycell. The systems may include a heat exchanger coupled with a surface ofthe cell block. The heat exchanger may be configured to circulate a heatexchange fluid proximate the surface of the cell block to receive a heatload from the cell. The heat exchanger may be configured to reject theheat load from the heat exchange fluid at a secondary heat exchangeposition. Also, the heat exchanger may operate at a first fluidpressure. The systems may include a distribution assembly, which mayinclude a valve incorporated with the heat exchanger. The distributionassembly may also include piping coupled with the valve and extending toan entrance port at the cell block.

In some embodiments the valve may include a pressure-release valveconfigured to open at a threshold pressure and allow the heat exchangefluid to flow into the piping. The first pressure may be or include apressure range from about atmospheric pressure to the thresholdpressure. The entrance port may include a heat-sensitive plug configuredto release at a threshold temperature associated with the thresholdpressure. The cell block may include a housing containing the at leastone battery cell and a fluid delivery apparatus fluidly coupled with theentrance port. The fluid delivery apparatus may include a manifold or astructure configured to distribute a fluid substantially uniformlythrough the structure from the entrance port. In some embodiments theenergy storage system may include an array of cell blocks including afirst cell block having a first surface coupled with the heat exchanger.The system may also include a second heat exchanger coupled with asecond surface of the cell block opposite the first surface of the cellblock. The system may also include a thermal interface materialpositioned between the surface of the cell block and the heat exchanger.

Such technology may provide numerous benefits over conventionaltechnology. For example, the present devices may reduce insulationrequirements by providing a heat transfer medium by which heat may beremoved from the system. Additionally, the designs may allow extendedscaling of batteries for use in larger devices and systems based ontheir reduced footprint. These and other embodiments, along with many oftheir advantages and features, are described in more detail inconjunction with the below description and attached figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the disclosedembodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions ofthe specification and the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of an energystorage system according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a fluiddelivery manifold according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of an energystorage array according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3B shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of an energystorage array according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of an energystorage system according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5A shows an image of an exemplary fluid distribution structureaccording to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5B shows an image of an exemplary fluid distribution structureaccording to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 5C shows an exemplary schematic fluid distribution structureaccording to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary schematic top plan view of an energy storagearray according to embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 7A shows an exemplary partial view of a heat exchanger anddistribution assembly according to embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 7B shows an exemplary partial cross-sectional view of a heatexchanger and distribution assembly according to embodiments of thepresent technology.

FIG. 8A shows an exemplary expanded cross-sectional view of adistribution assembly according to embodiments of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 8B shows an exemplary expanded cross-sectional view of adistribution assembly according to embodiments of the presenttechnology.

Several of the figures are included as schematics. It is to beunderstood that the figures are for illustrative purposes, and are notto be considered of scale unless specifically stated to be of scale.Additionally, as schematics, the figures are provided to aidcomprehension and may not include all aspects or information compared torealistic representations, and may include additional or exaggeratedmaterial for illustrative purposes.

In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the samenumerical reference label. Further, various components of the same typemay be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter thatdistinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only thefirst numerical reference label is used in the specification, thedescription is applicable to any one of the similar components and/orfeatures having the same first numerical reference label irrespective ofthe letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Energy storage devices and systems may include multiple batteries orbattery cell blocks, as well as associated components. Heat generationoften occurs during operation of battery systems, and this heat cantransfer from one battery cell or cell block to another. The heatgenerated may be due in part to issues with a particular cell, and thisheat may produce or lead to device failure. The heat generated may alsospread to adjacent cells, as well as adjacent cell blocks, which maycause additional device failure. In order to limit heat effects from onecell block to another, systems may be developed to reduce or limit theimpact of heat produced by one or more cells.

Conventional systems may separate cells with additional components tominimize heat impact from one cell to another. Additionally, insulationmay be placed between cells or between cell blocks for the same purpose.Depending on the type of issue or fault from a particular cell or cellblock, the heat generated may be large, and may have associatedtemperatures that are well over 300° C. or higher. The amount ofinsulative material may have an impact on the overall system design. Forexample, sufficient insulation may require much larger energy storagearrays, which may result in much larger end devices. Alternatively, indesigns in which space for the energy system is defined, the number ofcells in the overall array may be reduced to provide sufficientinsulation between cells or cell blocks.

The present technology, however, may utilize heat exchangers and heattransfer systems, which may reduce the amount of insulation used for anoverall array. By utilizing the heat capacity of a fluid under phasechange conditions, large amounts of heat may be removed from the system.Additionally, by utilizing a flowing fluid, generated heat may be drawnand rejected from the system without the system structures fullyabsorbing the generated heat. This may allow more compact energy storagearrays to be utilized.

Although the remaining portions of the description will routinelyreference lithium-ion batteries, it will be readily understood by theskilled artisan that the technology is not so limited. The presentdesigns may be employed with any number of battery or energy storagedevices, including other rechargeable battery types as well asnon-rechargeable designs. Moreover, the present technology may beapplicable to batteries and energy storage devices used in any number oftechnologies that may include, without limitation, phones and mobiledevices, handheld electronic devices, laptops and other computers,appliances, heavy machinery, transportation equipment includingautomobiles, water-faring vessels, air-travel equipment, andspace-travel equipment, as well as any other device that may usebatteries or benefit from the discussed designs. Accordingly, thedisclosure and claims are not to be considered limited to any particularexample discussed, but can broadly be utilized with any number ofdevices that may exhibit some or all of the electrical, thermal, orchemical characteristics of the discussed examples. For example, many ofthe components, arrangements, and systems of the present technology maybe utilized in any apparatus or system in which heat generation orremoval may occur or be desired.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storagesystem 100 according to embodiments of the present technology. Energystorage system 100 may include a cell block 105, which may be one ormore battery cells. Cell block 105 is illustrated as including fourbatteries or battery cells, although it is to be understood that anynumber of batteries or battery cells greater or smaller than illustratedmay be included as cell block 105. The battery cells of cell block 105may be coupled in series or in parallel, and may be used to provideenergy to an apparatus or system in which cell block 105 is included.Although illustrated in a particular vertical orientation, it is to beunderstood that the cells within cell block 105 may be flippedvertically, or may be in any other orientation within the cell block.Similarly, in any of the other figures discussed elsewhere in thisapplication, it is to be understood that the individual cells may beincluded in any orientation within the cell block. In some embodiments,the cell terminals may be directed away from the entrance asillustrated, such as facing a base or bottom of the cell block. Undernormal operation, cell block 105, as well as the individual cells, mayproduce heat. Additionally, during a fault condition, as a celldegrades, due to imbalance of the cells of cell block 105, or based on anumber of other conditions known in the art, heat may be produced beyondthe normal operating conditions of the cell block. This heat may causestructural damage to any of the plurality of battery cells of the cellblock 105, as well as to the cell block itself, and may transfergenerated heat to surrounding components. Surrounding components mayinclude other cell blocks as well as other system components of thedevice in which the cell block 105 is included. These components may besensitive to heat, and the heat generated may pose issues if allowed tocontinue unabated.

Energy storage system 100 may also include a fluid delivery manifold110. Fluid delivery manifold 110 may be coupled with the cell block 105,or may be in thermal communication with the cell block. For example,fluid delivery manifold 110 may be directly contacting cell block 105,or may have one or more materials positioned between the fluid deliverymanifold and the cell block. These materials may be or include cellblock walls or enclosures, thermal interface materials, or othercomponents that may be incorporated within an energy storage system. Thefluid delivery manifold 110 may be configured to transfer heat from thecell block 105 under certain conditions. These conditions may includenormal operating conditions, although in embodiments these conditionsmay be when the system senses conditions outside of design conditions.These conditions may be sensed in any number of ways including bysensors, such as thermal, electrical, pressure, mechanical, or othersensors positioned within or about the cell block 105, or associatedwith energy storage system 100.

Fluid delivery manifold 110 may allow transfer of heat from the cellblock 105 to a fluid within the fluid delivery manifold. The fluiddelivery manifold 110 may be configured to distribute the fluid withinthe fluid delivery manifold, or the fluid delivery manifold may maintainan amount of fluid within the fluid delivery manifold at all times orduring event conditions. The heat transfer may occur conductively fromcell block 105 to fluid delivery manifold 110, or through walls of thefluid delivery manifold to the fluid contained or distributed therein.In some embodiments, the fluid delivery manifold 110 may fluidly isolatethe plurality of cells of the cell block 105 from the liquid received orcontained within the fluid delivery manifold. Because the cells may beactive battery cells, which may include electrochemical reactions,maintaining a fluidic barrier between the cell block 105 and the fluiddelivery manifold 110 may reduce short circuiting or other effects offluid contact with the plurality of cells.

In some embodiments, the energy storage system 100 may include a singlefluid delivery manifold 110. In other embodiments, fluid deliverymanifold 110 may be coupled with a first side of the cell block 105, anda second fluid delivery manifold 112 may be coupled with a second sideof cell block 105 that is opposite the first side of the cell block.This configuration may allow additional temperature distribution controlfrom the energy storage system 100. By providing a fluid deliverymanifold 112 in conjunction with fluid delivery manifold 110, heatdistribution from energy storage system 100 may be reduced or limitedfrom multiple directions.

Additionally, although not illustrated, fluid delivery manifolds may bepositioned along each side of cell block 105, such as all four sides ofa rectangular cell block. Additionally, although not illustrated, thefluid delivery manifolds may have additional shapes, such as an L-shape,a T-shape, an E-shape, an open square shape, a multi-sided box shape,such as a five-sided box, or any other shape or geometry that may allowthe manifold to fit about or along one or more sides, top, and/or bottomof the cell block 105, or multiple cell blocks 105. Depending on thesystem configuration, more or less fluid distribution manifolds may beused. For example, if one or more sides of cell block 105 were adjacenta different heat sink structure, or a device that may be inert totemperature increases, a fluid distribution manifold may not be utilizedin that position. It is to be understood that energy storage system 100may also or alternatively include insulation in either position denotedby fluid distribution manifolds 110, 112. For example, in a designincluding a single fluid distribution manifold 110, fluid distributionmanifold 112 may alternatively be an insulative material configured tolimit heat transfer from the cell block 105.

Energy storage system 100 may include additional components in someembodiments. For example, energy storage system 100 may include housing115, which may enclose or include cell block 105 as well as fluiddelivery manifolds 110, 112. Housing 115 may define an entrance 117 inwhich fluid may be provided for distribution through fluid deliverymanifolds 110, 112. Although not illustrated, piping, sloped housing, orother structures internal to the housing 115 may deliver the fluid fromthe entrance 117 to the fluid delivery manifolds 110, 112. In otherembodiments, housing 115 may not include fluid delivery manifolds 110,112 within the structure. For example, housing 115 may be adjacent cellblock 105 on one or more sides, including on all sides. Fluid deliverymanifolds 110, 112 may be positioned external to the housing 115, andmay directly contact housing 115, or be separated by an interfacematerial or other materials. Such a configuration may allow directpiping or delivery of fluid to the individual fluid delivery manifolds110, 112, and may reduce the complexity of distribution within thehousing 115. Additionally, by locating the fluid delivery manifolds 110,112 external to the housing 115, further fluid separation may beprovided between the cell block 105 and the fluid delivery manifolds110, 112.

Turning to FIG. 2 is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of a fluiddelivery manifold 200 according to embodiments of the presenttechnology. Fluid delivery manifold 200 may be included in energystorage system 100, and may illustrate additional features of the energystorage system. Fluid delivery manifold 200 may be the same as orinclude similar features as fluid delivery manifolds 110, 112 previouslydiscussed. Fluid delivery manifold 200 may include or define a fluidentry port 205 within the structure. Fluid delivery port 205 may beconfigured to receive a liquid in some embodiments. Fluid deliverymanifold 200 may also define a fluid path within the fluid deliverymanifold. The fluid delivery manifold 200 may be configured to at leastpartially contain the liquid delivered into the fluid delivery manifoldwithin the structure.

As illustrated, fluid delivery manifold 200 may include a reservoir 210,which may be a portion of the fluid delivery manifold, or a structuredefined within the fluid delivery manifold. Reservoir 210 may allowliquid flowed into the structure to absorb heat being transferred from acell block. Depending on the flow rate through the fluid deliverymanifold 200, a direct path through the fluid delivery manifold maylimit the amount of heat absorbed by any unit of liquid. The followingexample may further aid understanding of certain aspects of the presenttechnology.

During an event that may cause one or more battery cells to produceexcessive heat, the heat generated may be sufficient to cause thermalrunaway of the particular cell, which may be an exothermic event. Thegenerated heat may raise the temperature of the cell by several hundreddegrees, which may cause surrounding cells to overheat, which in turnmay propagate thermal runaway in surrounding cells. In a cell blockincluding four cells, for example, any one cell achieving thermalrunaway may cause each adjacent cell to enter thermal runaway, and mayeventually cause every cell to breakdown. If the cell block is includedwithin an array of cell blocks, the heat transfer may continue toadjacent cell blocks causing the cells included within the adjacent cellblocks to enter thermal runaway, and so on through the entire energystorage system. Although insulation may reduce or limit the effect fromone cell block to another, the present technology may provide additionalbenefits. Instead of only containing the heat in a manner similar toinsulation, the present technology may absorb and transfer the heatgenerated out from the system. This may occur via the fluid delivered tothe fluid delivery manifold, for example.

Upon sensing an event determined to benefit from the heat transfercapabilities of the present technology, a system may trigger fluiddelivery to the fluid delivery manifold 200. In one non-limitingexample, water may be the fluid delivered, although it is to beunderstood that any fluid or combination of fluids may be provided thatmay absorb heat from a cell block. The water may be precooled, or may beat any temperature below the boiling point of the water or combinationfluid at the conditions at which it is delivered. For example, dependingon where the water or fluid is stored within the system, the water orfluid may already be at an elevated temperature from atmosphericconditions, although the fluid may be below or well below the boilingpoint of the water or fluid and any elevated temperatures of a thermalevent.

The water or fluid may be delivered to the fluid entry port 205 of fluiddelivery manifold 200, and may distribute down, for example, intoreservoir 210. As the water or fluid absorbs heat, it may reach thevapor transition temperature of the water or fluid. At this stage, thewater or fluid may continue to absorb heat isothermally as the water orfluid undergoes a phase transition from liquid to vapor. This may allowa greater amount of heat to be absorbed, while maintaining thetemperature of the fluid at the boiling point. As a result, neighboringcells, cell blocks, and other structures may be maintained at or belowthe boiling point of the fluid as well, which may allow the structuresto be insulated from the temperature or conditions of the cell blockundergoing a thermal event. Once vaporized, the delivered water or fluidmay flow from the reservoir 210 through the fluid delivery manifold 200toward exit channels 215. Such a reservoir 210 and fluid path to exitchannels 215 may allow the fluid delivery manifold to contain the liquidwithin the manifold as it absorbs heat and boils, while providing egressto vaporized liquid through the exit channels 215. Exit channels 215 maybe defined from the fluid delivery manifold 200, or may be apertures orexit ports that provide access from the fluid delivery manifold 200 tooutlets from the cell block or structure in which the fluid deliverymanifold is included. While the fluid entry port 205 may be positionedor defined at the top of the fluid delivery manifold, the at least oneexit channel 215 may be located along a wall of the fluid deliverymanifold.

The fluid delivery manifold may also have a number of exit channelspositioned in or defined by the fluid delivery manifold, and may have anequal number of such exit channels 215 on each side of the fluiddelivery manifold. For example, on each side of the fluid deliverymanifold may be 1 exit channel, 2 exit channels, 3 exit channels, 4 exitchannels, 5 exit channels, or more. In some embodiments the fluiddistribution may not rely on evaporation, and fluid that has received anamount of heat may flow out of the fluid delivery manifold as additionalfluid is delivered. The distribution channels within the fluid deliverymanifold may be positioned to utilize convective flow of the fluid suchthat while newer fluid is delivered to the fluid delivery manifold,fluid that has received heat may rise and flow out from reservoir 210and out one or more exit channels 215.

By utilizing a fluid that may undergo a phase transition, thetemperature within the fluid delivery manifold 200 may be effectivelypinned or maintained at the phase transition temperature. While the heatis continued to be absorbed from the cell block, the temperature at orwithin the fluid delivery manifold may be maintained or substantiallymaintained. This may allow adjacent structures to operate normally, orwithin normal ranges, while a particular cell block exceeds standardtemperature conditions. For example, during thermal runaway, thetemperature within or leaving the cell block may be up to or greaterthan about 100° C., and may be greater than or about 200° C., greaterthan or about 300° C., greater than or about 400° C., greater than orabout 500° C., or higher depending on the conditions of the fault. Theheat generated at these temperatures may be absorbed by the water orfluid undergoing a phase transition, however, which in the case of waterwill occur isothermally at 100° C. Accordingly, while at least someliquid water is still present within the fluid delivery manifold, thetemperature may not exceed about 130° C., may not exceed about 120° C.,may not exceed about 110° C., may not exceed about 100° C., may notexceed about 90° C., or less, depending on the amount of water or fluidincluded in the fluid delivery manifold and the temperature at which itevaporates or undergoes a phase change.

During events such as thermal runaway, for example, individual cells orthe cell block may expand from gassing produced by the exothermicreactions within the battery cell. This may produce a force within thecell block compressing additional components that may be within thestructure, such as housing 115 discussed previously. In embodiments inwhich the fluid delivery manifold 200 may be included within thehousing, the force produced may act compressively on the fluid manifold.Depending on the extent of the force produced, the rigidity of thehousing in which the components are included, and other factors, anexpanding cell may at least partially compress portions of the fluiddelivery manifold 200. In embodiments, the fluid delivery manifold 200may be configured to maintain at least a portion of fluid flow withinthe fluid delivery manifold 200 during expansion of a battery cell ofthe plurality of battery cells that may compose a cell block. Fluiddelivery manifold 200 may include a plurality of supports 220distributed about the fluid delivery manifold. These supports 220 mayact to provide structural rigidity to the fluid delivery manifold, andmay also assist with fluid delivery within the fluid delivery manifold.

For example, portions of reservoir 210 additionally may provide supportto the fluid delivery manifold along with other horizontally, angled,and/or vertically distributed support members. The supports 220 may bedistributed within the fluid delivery manifold 200 to limit the amountof compression at any particular location. By providing regions that maywithstand an amount of compressive force, at least some fluid deliverythroughout the fluid delivery manifold may be maintained during anevent. Additionally, the materials and construction of the fluiddelivery manifold may further contribute to the ability to withstand acompressive force. For example, the fluid delivery manifold 200 may bemade of a metal or composite.

Additionally, the fluid delivery manifold may be made of or include anelectrically insulative material or a thermally conductive material thatmay assist with the transfer of heat from a cell block to a distributedfluid within the fluid delivery manifold, while maintaining structuralintegrity against a compressive force. In embodiments the fluid deliverymanifold 200 may be configured to or characterized by an ability towithstand a compressive force greater than about 200 kPa. The fluiddelivery manifold may also be configured to withstand a compressiveforce greater than or about 300 kPa, greater than or about 400 kPa,greater than or about 500 kPa, greater than or about 600 kPa, greaterthan or about 700 kPa, greater than or about 800 kPa, greater than orabout 900 kPa, greater than or about 1000 kPa, or greater.

An event that may trigger excessive heat production or transfer acrossthe fluid delivery manifold may continue over a period of time. Forexample, a battery cell in which material breakdown is occurring maycontinue to produce reactions at high temperature for a period of timethat may last seconds, minutes, or more depending on the amount ofmaterial within the cell and the event occurring. As this heat transfersto neighbor cells, such as within the same cell block, a similarreaction may begin to occur, which may in turn continue through eachcell of the block. In embodiments of the present technology, the fluiddelivery manifold 200 may be configured to receive a stream of fluid, ordiscreet amounts of fluid over a period of time.

For example, in embodiments in which the fluid is water or an aqueousmixture or solution, the fluid delivery manifold may receive amounts ofthe fluid over a period of time, and the fluid delivery manifold may beconfigured, with this fluid, to maintain a temperature profile acrossthe manifold below a threshold temperature for a period of time up to orgreater than about 2 minutes, and may be configured to maintain atemperature profile across the manifold below a threshold temperaturefor a period of time up to, greater than, or about 5 minutes, greaterthan or about 7 minutes, greater than or about 9 minutes, greater thanor about 11 minutes, greater than or about 13 minutes, greater than orabout 15 minutes, greater than or about 18 minutes, greater than orabout 20 minutes, greater than or about 22 minutes, greater than orabout 24 minutes, greater than or about 26 minutes, greater than orabout 28 minutes, greater than or about 30 minutes, greater than orabout 40 minutes, greater than or about 50 minutes, greater than orabout 1 hour, or more depending on the amount of heat to be transferredfrom a cell block or heat-generating structure. Additionally, the amountof time at which the fluid delivery manifold may maintain thetemperature profile may be based on the amount of fluid within areservoir, the amount of potential release heat from a cell block orheat-generating structure, some combination of the two, as well as othervariables.

The temperature profile discussed above may be a temperature profileacross a thickness of the fluid delivery manifold. For example, asurface of the fluid delivery manifold contacting a cell block or otherheat-releasing material may experience any of the temperatures discussedelsewhere in this disclosure, which may be several hundred degrees. Afluid within the fluid delivery manifold may receive and transfer thisheat out of the system such that a temperature of a surface of the fluiddelivery manifold opposite the surface contacting the cell block mayremain at a lower temperature or below a threshold temperature. Forexample, while the surface in contact with a cell block may reachtemperatures of several hundred degrees, a surface opposite that surfaceas well as a material or structure contacting the surface opposite thesurface contacting or in thermal communication with the cell block mayremain below or about a threshold temperature of 200° C., and may remainor be maintained below or about 175° C., below or about 150° C., belowor about 140° C., below or about 130° C., below or about 120° C., belowor about 110° C., below or about 100° C., below or about 90° C., orlower.

The fluid delivery manifold 200 may be characterized by any sizedepending on the system in which it is disposed, the amount of heat itis to remove, the amount of fluid flow it may receive, and any othernumber of variables. In some embodiments in which the fluid deliverymanifold is disposed within or adjacent a cell block having a pluralityof battery cells and overall length and width dimensions around 30-50 cmor less, the fluid delivery manifold may be characterized by a thicknessof less than or about 1 cm in embodiments, and may be characterized bysimilar length and width dimensions of the cell block or one or morecells within the block. Additionally, the fluid delivery manifold may becharacterized by a thickness of less than or about 9 mm, less than orabout 8 mm, less than or about 7 mm, less than or about 6 mm, less thanor about 5 mm, less than or about 4 mm, less than or about 3 mm, lessthan or about 2 mm, less than or about 1 mm, or less in embodiments. Byutilizing a fluid that may undergo a phase transition to remove heatfrom the cell block, the fluid delivery manifold may be characterized bya smaller thickness than, for example, an amount of insulation to reduceor limit heat propagation to surrounding structures. Accordingly, for agiven space for an energy storage device, more of the area may beoccupied by cells or cell blocks with the present technology, which mayincrease the overall available energy capacity from the system.

FIGS. 3A-3B show schematic cross-sectional views of energy storagearrays 300, 350 according to embodiments of the present technology.Energy storage arrays 300, 350 may include a plurality of energy storagedevices discussed above with regard to FIG. 1, for example. Asillustrated in FIG. 3A each cell block 305 a-c may be disposed within ahousing 315 a-c, or within a portion of housing 315. Partition walls320, 322 may separate the cells, and may include one wall, two partitionwalls, each associated with an individual cell block 305, and amount ofinsulation, or other components of the system. Each cell block isillustrated with a plurality of battery cells, which may be any numberof cells as previously discussed. As illustrated, each cell blockhousing 315 may include fluid delivery manifolds 325 on opposite sidesof the cell. The fluid delivery manifolds may include any of thecharacteristics or configurations previously described.

Each housing 315 may also include an entry port 327 a-c for delivery ofa fluid to each of the fluid delivery manifolds 325. Once deliveredwithin a housing via entry port 327, a fluid may be distributed viapiping or another mechanism to the individual fluid delivery manifolds325. FIG. 3B includes an additional array 350 having a configuration ofshared manifolds. Energy storage array 350 may also include a number ofcell blocks 355 a-c. Although both FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate three cellblocks, it is to be understood that an energy storage array according tothe present technology may include any number of cell blocks in anynumber of rows and columns. Cell blocks 355 may be included withinhousing 365 a-c, which enclose the cell blocks. In this configuration,fluid delivery manifolds 375 may be positioned between adjacent cellblocks and housings. In this way, cell blocks may share a fluid deliverymanifold. Additionally, entry ports 377 a-b may be positioned in linewith the fluid delivery manifolds 375 for more direct delivery of fluid.It is to be understood that the configurations illustrated are onlyexamples of possible configurations of the present technology. Differentconfigurations are also possible, as well as additional componentsincluding insulation, piping, sensors, and any number of othercomponents useful for such arrays, and are encompassed by the presenttechnology.

Turning to FIG. 4 is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an energystorage system 400 according to embodiments of the present technology.FIG. 4 may include a number of similar components as FIG. 1 discussedpreviously, and may include any component or parameter discussed abovewith regard to that figure. For example, energy storage system 400 mayinclude a cell block 405 including a plurality of battery cells. Asnoted, the cells may be oriented as illustrated, or may be rotated,flipped, or otherwise included in any other orientation. As illustrated,cell block 405 may be characterized by a top and a number of sides. Thenumber of sides may be determined based on the specific configuration,which may have any number of geometries. In embodiments, the cell blockmay be rectangular, and may have, for example, four sides. Differentgeometries may have more or less sides in different embodiments. Cellblock 400 may also include a housing 415 including a fluid port 417 fordelivery of a fluid as previously discussed.

Energy storage system 400 may also include a structure 410, which may becoupled with the cell block. Structure 410 may be coupled with a top ofcell block 405, and may also be coupled with at least one side of thecell block. The structure 410 may be configured to distribute a fluidsubstantially uniformly through the structure from the fluid port 417.In embodiments, the structure 410 may include pores, capillaries, or anordered or unordered structure that may allow distribution of fluidthrough the structure. The structure 410 may include separate sheets orportions of the material coupled to or with surfaces of the cell block405, or in some embodiments the structure 410 may be a continuousarrangement extending across the top and side of the cell block 405. Thestructure 410 may be contained within the housing in contact with thecell block 405.

In operation, a fluid may be delivered through fluid port 417 to contactstructure 410. The structure may absorb the fluid at a particular rate,and may distribute the fluid through the structure. In some embodimentsa barrier, such as a fluid barrier may be positioned between the cellblock 405 and the structure 410 to maintain a liquid separation betweenthe two components. In some embodiments, the structure 410 may be amaterial sheet that extends from one side of the cell block, across thetop of the cell block, and across a second side of the cell blockopposite the first as illustrated. Additionally, the material mayfurther cover other sides, such as a front and back of a four-sided cellblock. Accordingly, in some embodiments the structure 410 may partiallyor completely cover one or more surfaces of the cell block, and may, forexample, cover all exposed surfaces of the cell block within the housing415.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate exemplary material structures that may be used inpotential structures 410. FIG. 5A shows an image of a fluid distributionstructure 505 according to embodiments of the present technology. Asillustrated, the fluid distribution structure 505 may include an orderedarrangement of fibers, which may be a mesh, or other connected structureproviding directed fluid paths through the structure. The paths mayallow a liquid contacting the structure to be drawn through thestructure in all directions. In embodiments the fluid may be drawn insome directions faster than other directions, such as across thestructure faster than through the structure, although in someembodiments the fluid may be drawn uniformly or substantially uniformlythrough the structure in all directions.

FIG. 5B shows an image of a fluid distribution structure 510 accordingto embodiments of the present technology. As illustrated, the structuremay be an unordered mesh, such as a woven material that may distributefluid in any of the ways as discussed above. Additionally, FIG. 5C showsa schematic fluid distribution structure 515 according to embodiments ofthe present technology. The structure 515 may include a pleatedstructure, such as with accordion pleats or folds as shown. Thestructure may be a number of layered materials that are then folded, ordistributed in an arrangement for advantageous fluid distribution. Forexample, structure 515 may have layers that allow distribution betweenor across the layers at a particular rate, while each layer allowsdistribution through the layer at a rate that may be similar ordifferent from the distribution rate across or between the layers. Insome embodiments, the structure may have a combination ofcharacteristics, such as layers of one or both of structures 505, 510that may then be incorporated in an arrangement such as illustrated withstructure 515. It is to be understood that FIGS. 5A-5C are merelyexamples of structures that may be used in the present technology, andmany other structures, patterns, or arrangements are also available thatare similarly encompassed by the present technology, and may provide theother characteristics discussed elsewhere.

The material used, in addition to the structures illustrated, may becomposed of or include a number of materials. For example, the materialsmay include metal, fabrics, polymeric materials, or any combination toprovide particular structural, thermal, or electrical characteristics.For example, polymeric or fabric materials may be used to reduceelectrical conductivity through the structure, while a metal materialmay be used or included to provide rigidity and heat transfercapabilities. Accordingly, the materials may be selected or combined toaccommodate several characteristics.

In embodiments, the structure may be configured to conduct liquid at acertain rate through or across the structure. As explained previously,the liquid may be flowed at a rate to maintain the liquid within thestructure until sufficient heat is absorbed, while distributing thefluid throughout the structure to limit or prevent dry areas of thestructure. The structure may be configured to maintain the liquid withinthe structure until it evaporates in some embodiments. The rate of flowthrough the structure may be up to, greater than, or about 20 mL/min.This rate may be one or both of a delivery rate to the material or adistribution rate through the material. In some embodiments, either ratemay be greater than or about 30 mL/min, greater than or about 40 mL/min,greater than or about 50 mL/min, greater than or about 60 mL/min,greater than or about 70 mL/min, greater than or about 80 mL/min,greater than or about 90 mL/min, greater than or about 100 mL/min,greater than or about 110 mL/min, greater than or about 120 mL/min,greater than or about 130 mL/min, greater than or about 140 mL/min,greater than or about 150 mL/min, greater than or about 160 mL/min,greater than or about 170 mL/min, greater than or about 180 mL/min,greater than or about 190 mL/min, greater than or about 200 mL/min, orgreater depending on the size of the structure through whichdistribution is desired, the flow rate to the structure, or the amountof heat being generated or received in any unit of time.

The structure may be characterized by any of the dimensions previouslydiscussed. In embodiments the structure may have a uniform thicknessacross the structure, and in some embodiments the thickness of thestructure may vary across the length or width of the structure. Forexample, the structure may be thicker along sides of the cell block andthinner across the top of the cell block in embodiments. This may, forexample, provide fluid more quickly to the side portions from a fluidport. Additionally, because of the absorbent nature of the material usedin the structure, which may provide multi-directional simultaneousdistribution, the fluid port may not necessarily be on the top of thecell block or cell block housing. For example, the fluid port may be onany surface of the housing, or facing any surface of the cell block inembodiments.

The material used in the structure may also be characterized by any ofthe flow, compression, or temperature capabilities previously described.For example, the material may be configured to maintain a substantiallyuniform fluid distribution through the structure under a compressiveforce greater than or about 100 kPa. Such an ability may be aided by thematerial of the structure, which may be capable of distributing fluid inany direction, which may enable more circuitous flow, such as around orabout compressed regions of the structure. Additionally, the structuremay include a material configured to withstand temperatures greater thanor about 100° C. in embodiments, which may allow a fluid, such as any ofthe fluids previously described, to evaporate within the structure. Thematerial may be fabricated to direct evaporated fluid in a particulardirection. Additionally, pressure drops across the structure may directevaporated material away from the structure and out of the housing inany number of ways, such as through vents in any surface of the housing,such as through the bottom of the housing. Different materials,configurations, deliveries, and flow patterns will be readilyappreciated from the examples discussed, and are similarly encompassedby the present technology.

The fluid delivered to or used with any of the manifolds or deliverystructures discussed previously may be provided from a number oflocations. For example, a reservoir may be located in communication withthe cell blocks for delivery upon event sensing. Additionally, in someembodiments the fluid may be delivered from a different fluid system,which may reduce the space requirement for a separate fluid reservoir.One type of fluid system is illustrated with FIG. 6, which shows anexemplary schematic top plan view of an energy storage array 600according to embodiments of the present technology.

Energy storage system array 600 may include one or more cell blocks,such as cell blocks 605 a-d. Each cell block 605 may be similar to anyof the cell blocks previously described, including cell blocks of FIGS.1 and 4, for example. Although four cell blocks are shown in theillustration, the number of cell blocks may be greater or smaller, andmay include tens, hundreds, or more cell blocks, which may each includeany number of individual cells. The system may also include heatexchangers 608, 610 positioned between the cell blocks, such as betweencell block rows. Although two heat exchangers are shown, the system mayinclude a single heat exchanger, or multiple heat exchangers for eachrow of cell blocks in other embodiments. Heat exchangers 608, 610 may becoupled with a surface of the cell blocks, or be in thermalcommunication with the cell blocks in exemplary arrangements. The systemmay include thermal interface materials 612 between the heat exchangersand the cell blocks, which may enhance thermal communication between thecomponents in different embodiments. Any number of known thermalinterface materials, epoxies, or structures may be used. In someembodiments a single heat exchanger may be associated with a row of cellblocks. Additionally, in some embodiments, a first heat exchanger, suchas heat exchanger 608, may be coupled with or be in thermalcommunication with a first surface of one or more cell blocks, and asecond heat exchanger, such as heat exchanger 610, may be coupled withor be in thermal communication with a second surface of the one or morecell blocks.

Heat exchangers 608, 610 may be configured to circulate a heat exchangefluid along the cell blocks 605 or proximate the cell blocks or asurface of the cell blocks in some embodiments. The heat exchange fluidmay receive a heat load from the cell blocks during normal operation.Even under normal conditions, the cell blocks may generate a certainamount of heat, that may be removed from the system by the heatexchangers 608, 610. The heat exchangers may then circulate the fluid toa secondary position to reject the heat load from the heat exchangefluid. Although not fully shown, optional distributers 615 maydistribute the heat exchange fluid to another component to reject theload. The component may be another heat exchanger utilizing anotherfluid for the rejection, or may be a separate component that removes theheat load from the heat exchange fluid. For example, a cooling tower,outdoor unit, radiator, or other convective unit may force a fluid overthe distributers 615 to remove heat from the heat exchange fluid. Inembodiments, the heat exchangers 608, 610 may be part of a heat transferloop that may include one or more pumps, expansion devices, or otherancillary components. The fluid within the heat exchangers 608, 610 maybe circulated at a first pressure, in embodiments through a heatexchange loop, which may be a closed or open heat exchange loop. Thefirst pressure may be a particular pressure, or may be a pressure rangefrom about atmospheric pressure up to a threshold pressure discussedbelow.

The energy storage system array 600 may also include a distributionassembly that may access the fluid from the heat exchangers underparticular conditions. The distribution assembly may include a valveincorporated with the heat exchanger, discussed further below, which mayallow fluid from the heat exchanger to be distributed to piping 620 a-b.The piping may be coupled with the valve, and may extend to an entranceport 625 a-d associated with each cell block. The entrance port maydistribute the fluid to a fluid delivery apparatus within housing of thecell block as previously described. The fluid delivery apparatus may bea fluid delivery manifold as discussed previously, or may be a structureconfigured to distribute a fluid substantially uniformly through thestructure from the entrance port 615. These may be any of the structuresdiscussed with reference to any of the previous figures. The fluiddelivery apparatuses may be positioned within the cell block on one ormore surfaces that are not in communication with the heat exchanges 608,610, such as surfaces adjacent to a neighboring cell block 605.Additionally, different array structures such as illustrated in FIG. 3may be utilized similarly with the delivery system of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7A shows an exemplary partial side view of a possible heatexchanger 700 and a distribution assembly according to embodiments ofthe present technology, and may be a side view of the array 600discussed above. As shown, heat exchanger 700 may be an elongatestructure that may extend across a surface of one or more cells, cellsurfaces, or cell blocks. The heat exchanger 700 may include a valve orvalve assembly 710 incorporated with the heat exchanger to provideaccess to a fluid distributed through heat exchanger 700. Once accessed,the fluid may be distributed to piping 720, which may connect ordistribute to fluid ports 625 discussed above. FIG. 7B shows anexemplary partial cross-sectional view of heat exchanger 700 and adistribution assembly according to embodiments of the presenttechnology. As illustrated, the cut-away portion shows an exemplaryfluid path through the heat exchanger, which may circulate a fluid fromtop to bottom, or from bottom to top, with a turn proximate the valveassembly 710. Additionally, an amount of piping may be included with oneor more passes across the surfaces of the cell blocks in someembodiments, as well as other heat exchanger designs that may allow heatto be transferred as discussed above. The heat exchanger may be orinclude any number of materials, such as metal, polymer, or othermaterials. In some embodiments, piping 720 may not be separate from heatexchanger 700 as illustrated, and may not include piping. For example, achannel may be formed within a portion of the heat exchanger thatextends similarly to the piping, but as part of the elongate structure,such as a defined region within the structure. The heat exchanger may beextended in multiple directions, such that a channel may be definedopposite the valve assembly 710, which then directs fluid through thechannel to additional piping or channels along an adjacent surface ofthe cell blocks.

An example of the operation of the device may assist in furtherunderstanding the present technology. Under normal operation, heatgenerated by the cell blocks, or constituent cells, may be transferredto the heat exchange fluid within the heat exchanger. The heat exchangermay circulate or provide a path for circulation of the fluid away fromthe cell blocks, and towards a secondary heat exchange position, wherethe heat load may be rejected in any number of ways. During normaloperation, or within predetermined operating conditions, the valveassembly 710 may remain closed, maintaining the fluid within the heatexchanger 700 and associated loop.

Upon an event, such as any of the heat-generating events discussedelsewhere, the heat generated by a particular cell may begin toincrease, and may increase dramatically in some embodiments. This heatmay further heat the fluid within the heat exchanger 700, which mayraise the fluid pressure within the heat exchanger as well. Depending onthe amount of temperature or pressure increase, the conditions mayexceed a design threshold to activate the valve assembly 710. Valveassembly 710 may be configured to operate within a particulartemperature or pressure range, which when exceeded, may open the valve.For example, a component of the valve assembly may break or release at aparticular temperature or pressure, which may activate or temporarilyopen the valve. Once opened, the heat exchange fluid may enter piping720, or an integrated channel as discussed above, as well as acombination of an integrated channel and piping, and flow towards thecell blocks. The fluid may be delivered into the entrance ports of thecell blocks, and utilized by any of the apparatuses discussed above.This may prevent the generated heat from transferring to neighboringcells as discussed previously.

The pressure or temperature may be predetermined, and the releasetemperature or pressure for the valve may be set accordingly. Forexample, the valve assembly 710 may be set to release at a temperatureof 3° C. or more from standard operating conditions, such as greaterthan or about 5° C. above standard operating conditions, as well as attemperatures above standard operating conditions greater than or about10° C., greater than or about 20° C., greater than or about 30° C.,greater than or about 40° C., greater than or about 50° C., greater thanor about 60° C., greater than or about 70° C., greater than or about 80°C., greater than or about 90° C., greater than or about 100° C., ormore. Additionally the valve may be a pressure-release valve, which maybe set to release at a pressure above normal operating conditions ofabout 20 kPa, or the valve may be set to release at a pressure abovenormal operating conditions greater than or about 30 kPA, greater thanor about 40 kPA, greater than or about 50 kPA, greater than or about 60kPA, greater than or about 70 kPA, greater than or about 80 kPA, greaterthan or about 90 kPA, greater than or about 100 kPA, or higher. The setpoint may be any of the values discussed, although an intermediate valuemay allow the fluid to be accessed early enough to limit heat transferto neighboring cells, but high enough to reduce or limit false trippingduring normal operations.

Additional components may be incorporated within the system to allowdelivery of heat exchange fluid to a limited number of cells, such asonly the cells or cell block undergoing a heat-generating event. Forexample, a temperature-sensitive material may be used as a plug in theentrance port 625 of the cell block in some embodiments. The materialmay or may not be hermetic like the valve assembly discussed above. Inembodiments, the material may be or include plastics, wax, solder, metalalloys or other metals, and may be configured to melt or release at adetermined temperature. As the temperature within the cell block rises,the material may melt or dissipate to provide access to the cell blockfor the incoming fluid, which has been released into the fluid piping.While the plug may dissipate within the target cell block, the otherplugs associated with additional cells may be maintained, which mayprevent access to those cell blocks. Accordingly, a limited amount ofheat exchange fluid may be used, and provided only where needed, such asto the cell block undergoing the event.

FIGS. 8A-8B show exemplary expanded cross-sectional views of adistribution assembly according to embodiments of the presenttechnology. As shown in FIG. 8A, a valve assembly 810 and fluid piping820 may be incorporated with a heat exchanger such as previouslydescribed. The valve assembly 810 may include a valve 830, which mayblock a fluid entrance port 840 from the heat exchanger. The valve 830may be a pressure-release valve configured to open at a thresholdpressure to allow heat exchange fluid to flow into the piping. Thethreshold pressure may be any of the pressures previously described, andmay be any of the ranges above normal operating conditions discussedelsewhere. The valve 830 may include a loaded device, such as aretaining spring 850 or other material to regulate when the valve opens.Although valve 830 is discussed as a pressure-release valve, atemperature-release valve may also be used in embodiments as would bereadily appreciated. Similarly, other structures including freeze-plugs,leaf springs, coils, bevels, hinges, and other materials may beutilized.

Once the threshold pressure has been reached or exceeded, the valve mayopen as illustrated in FIG. 8B. An adequate pressure, such as a fluidpressure, may overcome the retaining spring 850, which may modulatevalve 830. The recessed valve 830 may provide access to fluid port 840as well as fluid piping 820. The heat exchange fluid may then flowthrough the piping 820 to a cell block, such as a cell block undergoinga heat-generating event. By utilizing the heat exchange fluid of heatexchanger 700, an additional fluid reservoir may not be needed, whichmay reduce an overall system footprint. In embodiments the valve may beresettable or non-resettable. For example, certain release valves mayclose once the pressure reduces below the threshold pressure to triggerrelease.

In the preceding description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousdetails have been set forth in order to provide an understanding ofvarious embodiments of the present technology. It will be apparent toone skilled in the art, however, that certain embodiments may bepracticed without some of these details, or with additional details.

Having disclosed several embodiments, it will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of theembodiments. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elementshave not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent technology. Accordingly, the above description should not betaken as limiting the scope of the technology.

Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the smallest fraction of the unit of the lowerlimit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upperand lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Anynarrower range between any stated values or unstated intervening valuesin a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of those smallerranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and eachrange where either, neither, or both limits are included in the smallerranges is also encompassed within the technology, subject to anyspecifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated rangeincludes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both ofthose included limits are also included. Where multiple values areprovided in a list, any range encompassing or based on any of thosevalues is similarly specifically disclosed.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a material” includes aplurality of such materials, and reference to “the cell” includesreference to one or more cells and equivalents thereof known to thoseskilled in the art, and so forth.

Also, the words “comprise(s)”, “comprising”, “contain(s)”, “containing”,“include(s)”, and “including”, when used in this specification and inthe following claims, are intended to specify the presence of statedfeatures, integers, components, or operations, but they do not precludethe presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,components, operations, acts, or groups.

What is claimed is:
 1. An energy storage system comprising: a cell blockhaving at least one battery cell; a first heat exchanger coupled with asurface of the cell block and configured to circulate a heat exchangefluid proximate the surface of the cell block to receive a heat loadfrom the battery cell and to discharge the heat load from the heatexchange fluid at a secondary heat exchange position, wherein the firstheat exchanger operates at a fluid pressure; and a second heat exchangercoupled with a surface of the cell block and arranged to receive theheat exchange fluid via a valve that opens when the fluid pressureexceeds a threshold pressure.
 2. The energy storage system of claim 1,wherein the valve comprises a temperature-release valve configured toopen at a threshold temperature.
 3. The energy storage system of claim1, wherein the fluid pressure comprises a pressure range from aboutatmospheric pressure to the threshold pressure.
 4. The energy storagesystem of claim 1, wherein the second heat exchanger has an entranceport comprising a heat-sensitive plug configured to release at athreshold temperature associated with the threshold pressure.
 5. Theenergy storage system of claim 1, wherein the cell block comprises ahousing containing the at least one battery cell and a fluid deliveryapparatus fluidly coupled with an entrance port that receives the heatexchange fluid.
 6. The energy storage system of claim 5, wherein thefluid delivery apparatus comprises a manifold or a structure configuredto distribute a fluid substantially uniformly through the cell blockfrom the entrance port.
 7. The energy storage system of claim 1, furthercomprising an array of cell blocks including a first cell block having afirst surface coupled with the first heat exchanger, and wherein thesecond heat exchanger is coupled with a second surface of the cell blockopposite the first surface of the cell block.
 8. The energy storagesystem of claim 1, further comprising a thermal interface materialpositioned between the surface of the cell block and the first heatexchanger.
 9. A battery system comprising: a battery cell; a first heatexchanger in contact with a first surface of the battery cell; a secondheat exchanger in contact with a second surface of the battery cell; afluid disposed within the first heat exchanger; and a valve fluidlycoupled between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger,the valve configured to open and release at least some of the fluid tothe second heat exchanger when at least one characteristic of the fluidexceeds a predetermined threshold.
 10. The battery system of claim 9wherein the at least one characteristic of the fluid is a temperature ofthe fluid and the predetermined threshold is a predetermined thresholdtemperature of the fluid.
 11. The battery system of claim 9 wherein theat least one characteristic of the fluid is a pressure of the fluid andthe predetermined threshold is a predetermined threshold pressure of thefluid.
 12. The battery system of claim 9 wherein the battery cell is afirst battery cell and the battery system further comprises a secondbattery cell positioned adjacent the first battery cell.
 13. The batterysystem of claim 9 wherein the battery cell and the first heat exchangerare positioned within a housing.
 14. The battery system of claim 13wherein the second heat exchanger is positioned outside of the housing.